Frequently Asked Questions
The University Honors Program provides a pathway through the IDEAS general education curriculum and is designed to be completed in as little as two years. Honors courses will challenge you to explore unique, timely topics created by your professors for specialized seminars in small class settings. As a student in the University Honors Program you will also be eligible for priority registration each semester (contact the Director for specific requirements that must be fulfilled each semester in order to be eligible).
Professors tailor Honors classes to suit not only their interests, but also those of their students. In small class settings, professors challenge students to engage in local, national and global questions through a creative and interdisciplinary lens..
Each year, the University Honors Program hosts speakers, events, field trips, and other fantastic opportunities both on and off campus. In addition, students in the University Honors Program are eligible for priority registration each semester (contact the Director for specific requirements that must be fulfilled each semester in order to be eligible). University Honors Program students who choose to live on campus their first year are also eligible to apply to join the UHP Living-ĢƵ Community, housed in Mt. Clef Hall.
Under Registration, click on “Search for Sections.” The term Honors will appear in the dropdown menu under “subjects.” You can also look at the UHP website, where we keep an updated list of offerings.
Yes! The University Honors Program encourages students to take advantage of all opportunities on and off campus. Some study abroad programs, such as the CLU-Oxford exchange, even offer Honors sections.
Yes! Transfer students looking to join the Honors Program should review the Special Entry requirements.
Yes. Since the Honors Program typically doesn’t offer the same course twice during a students' time at Cal ĢƵ, some students take the opportunity to enroll in two or even three Honors courses in one semester.
The UHP is designed to help students fulfill their IDEAS requirements and fit with any major/minor. Furthermore, students who graduate with University Honors are awarded a medallion to wear at graduation and are the only students to have "University Honors" noted on both their transcripts and diplomas.
Of course! The University Honors Program is designed with every major in mind. In fact, nearly half of the current Honors Program participants are science majors!
Yes, University Honors Program participants begin their coursework in their first year, whereas departmental honors typically starts in a student's junior or senior year. Students who complete both departmental honors and the University Honors Program graduate “with Highest Honors.”
Yes. As Honors students often complete the Honors Program by the end by their third-year, and 4+1 program classes typically begin during a students’ fourth year, it is absolutely feasible to complete both programs.
Speak with your academic advisor, Department Chair, or the University Honors Program Director. All can help you discern which classes can satisfy IDEAS requirements and meet the needs of your major.